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Alaska Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Alaska grants pardons through the Governor's executive clemency power. The state does not have a separate pardon board.

Last updated: 2026-03-28. This is informational only, not legal advice.

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Governor

The Governor of Alaska has sole clemency power. Applications are submitted to the Governor's office and may be reviewed by the Department of Corrections.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Forgives the offense and restores civil rights lost due to the conviction.

Commutation

Reduces the sentence but does not forgive the conviction or restore rights.

Reprieve

Temporary postponement of punishment, typically for medical or humanitarian reasons.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: No statutory waiting period, but applicants should have completed their sentence

Clean record required: Yes — A clean record since the conviction demonstrates rehabilitation and strengthens the application.

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence
  • Must demonstrate compelling reasons for a pardon
  • Character references are strongly recommended

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit a written petition for clemency to the Governor's office.
  2. Include detailed information about the conviction, sentence served, rehabilitation efforts, and reasons for seeking a pardon.
  3. Provide supporting documentation including court records, character references, and evidence of rehabilitation.
  4. The Governor's office may request an investigation by the Department of Corrections.
  5. The Governor reviews the petition and makes a decision at their discretion.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A full pardon from the Governor can restore state firearm rights. Federal restrictions may still apply depending on the offense.

Voting Rights

Alaska automatically restores voting rights upon completion of sentence. A pardon is not needed for voting restoration.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically expunge the record. The conviction remains on record but the pardon is noted.

Employment

A pardon demonstrates official recognition of rehabilitation and can help with employment, professional licensing, and housing applications.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 6 months to over 1 year — highly variable depending on the Governor's office workload

Pardon rate: Very low — Alaska Governors have historically granted very few pardons

Cost: Free — no filing fee

Pardon vs. Expungement in Alaska

Alaska does not have a general expungement statute for criminal convictions. The only ways to clear a record are through a pardon or if the case resulted in acquittal or dismissal. This makes pardons one of the few options for people with convictions in Alaska.

See the full Alaskaexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a pardon in Alaska?
Submit a written petition directly to the Governor's office. Include your conviction details, evidence of rehabilitation, character references, and a compelling explanation of why a pardon is warranted. There is no formal application form — the petition should be thorough and professional.
Can I get my record expunged in Alaska?
Alaska does not have a general expungement law for criminal convictions. A pardon from the Governor is one of the only ways to address a conviction on your record, though even a pardon does not erase the record entirely.
How often does the Alaska Governor grant pardons?
Pardons in Alaska are very rare. Governors have historically granted only a handful of pardons during their terms. A strong application with clear evidence of rehabilitation and compelling circumstances is essential.

Related Alaska Pages

Related Resources on This Site

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pardon and clemency laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney in Alaska for advice about your specific situation.
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